Running Barefoot

MorganLeighRN
MorganLeighRN Posts: 411 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Does anyone here run barefoot or with the Vibram 5 toed shoes? I bought some yesterday and ran 1/2 mile. My calves are KILLING me today. Any suggestions?

Replies

  • tasmin21
    tasmin21 Posts: 42 Member
    I run in Vibrams. I highly recommend that you follow the breaking-in instructions that came with the shoes, otherwise you're going to be in a lot of pain. Running in this style is using a ton of muscles you don't normally use, and you have to build them up like any others.
  • Runs4CupCakes
    Runs4CupCakes Posts: 132
    Does anyone here run barefoot or with the Vibram 5 toed shoes? I bought some yesterday and ran 1/2 mile. My calves are KILLING me today. Any suggestions?

    break them in like tasmin says if not you're just hurting your self, once you get used to them there great for outside trail running
  • LesliePierceRN
    LesliePierceRN Posts: 860 Member
    Oh, yeah, you gotta for sure break them in a little at a time. I was just about crippled for two days when I first got mine, and I thought I'd taken it slow.. I ran like 1/4 mile in them. I wear them all the time now, I love them. I ran my first two Warrior Dashes in them, and they were way superior to regular shoes for that race. I was like a mountain climbing goat in those things, the added flexibility and ability to use all of the muscles in my feet on that run was a huge advantage. I also wear them to bootcamp and Piloxing because we do a LOT of balance and agility work. Hang in there, it pays off.
  • MorganLeighRN
    MorganLeighRN Posts: 411 Member
    Thank you for the advice. I ran in my normal shoes today and my calves loosened up around 1/2 mile. I will continue to break them in slowly!

    I'd like to add you all as friends if that is OK?
    Thanks
  • Borovsky
    Borovsky Posts: 3
    I run in VFF and other minimalist shoes too. It takes a while (like several months) not to break THEM in, but to break YOU in. If you havent worn minimalist/barefoot shoes (like VFFs) your lower legs and feet need time to strengthen. Your muscles in your feet and calves need to develop and if you dont give it enough time you can develop a stress fracture in your foot. Check out birthdayshoes.com. It is a great resource with lots of valuable info. That is where I learned the most about minimalist running. One of the biggest things to be careful of is what they call "TMTS" (too much too soon). Its pretty common when switching because running in VFFs feel SO DARN GOOD!!! Just want to make sure you are careful!!

    Welcome to minimalist running!! Its a great feeling

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